Stan Wawrinka sets his sights on Roland-Garros

Trust the process

A few weeks shy of his 37th birthday (on 28th March), and despite a long absence, Stan Wawrinka has lost none of his desire and determination. Away from the tour since losing to Lloyd Harris in the first round in Doha back in March 2021, the former world No.3 can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Long hindered by pain in his left foot, he made the brave decision to have an operation without knowing when he would be back in action. This first operation led to another, in June 2021.

Active as ever on social media, the Swiss player always promised his fans he would be back. After a much-needed rest, he got back to work and began a long period of rehabilitation, some of which he did in PSG’s training centre. He hit the gym before gradually getting back into running and finally picking up his racquet, which he demonstrated on court last week.

“I’m going to play, have fun, enjoy myself!”

These pictures suggest he might soon be back competing, an ambition confirmed by Wawrinka himself in an interview with Le Parisien newspaper at the release of the film “Maison de retraite”, for which he was associate producer.

“Yes, Roland-Garros, yes,” he nodded, before reasserting his love of tennis. “People often ask me why I’m trying to come back after my injury and carry on, but it’s because I’m passionate about tennis, I love the spectators. When I walk out on court, I make sure I remember that it’s a game. The whole basis of tennis is that we tell children to “go and play”! A lot of people forget that when they turn professional: they see tennis as a job. What motivates me the most is reminding myself that I’m going to play, have fun and enjoy myself!”  

A strong bond with Roland-Garros

Wawrinka loves the spectators, and the spectators at the Porte d’Auteuil certainly love him back! Liked for his personality and spectacular playing style, “Stan the Man” has had some of his most emotional experiences at Roland-Garros. Having won the tournament in 2015, he reached the semis the following year before losing in the final to Rafael Nadal in 2017.

Knocked out in the third round by revelation Hugo Gaston in 2020, he was unable to take part in the latest edition of the tournament, his first absence since 2005. But he hopes to prove that this was just a blip and get back to making more memories this year. He may have missed tennis, but tennis has missed him more!